EA Labels backs Vita over 3DS

Frank Gibeau seems quite keen on Sony’s new handheld, arguing the Vita has a few advantages over the 3DS.

Asked by CVG about the 3DS’s struggles, Gibeau said the portable sector is “tough right now” due to “disruptive” competition from smartphone – but gave Sony a cheer anyway.

“I think [Sony has] got a shot because they have some really unique innovation in the control scheme, the technology and the screen,” he said.

“It’s got a lot of social features now so that you can actually communicate with your friends and be social. You can’t ring them up by putting the device up to your ear but in general I think they’ve got most of the capabilities that you’d find in a smart phone, with some unique capabilities that make them stand out.”

Additionally, Gibeau said the Vita is better positioned than the 3DS, which suffered from “confusion”, and which had a very different software line up.

“I think Vita has a better chance because it has a stronger title slate at launch,” the executive opined.

“PSP’s had a great run in Europe as a device, it seems to have reached a much larger audience here than it did in North America. So I think they’ve got a good shot. We’re going to publish a few games on it and see how it develops.”